Control unit for composing machines



Oct. 29, 1957 R. R. SMESSAERT CONTROL UNIT FOR COMPOSING MACHINES 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Nov. 26, 1954 amma-da INVENTOR RAYMOND R. SMESSAERT BY Z, W

ATTORNEY Oct. 29, 1957 SMESSAERT 2,811,243

CONTROL UNIT FOR COMPOSING MACHINES Filed Nov 26, 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet2 I02 8 FIXED SPACE o SPACE BAND SPACE BAND 103 Z FIXED SPACE FIG. 4

6 57 58 as; ea

3 Q r in 5 RAYMOND RTSMESSAERT A TORNEY United States Patent CONTROL UNIT FOR COMPOSING MACHINES Raymond R. Smessaert, Chicago, 111., assignor, by mesne assignments, to Teletypesetter Corporation, Chicago, 111., a corporation of Delaware Application November 26, 1954, Serial No. 471,158

2 Claims. (Cl. 199-22) This invention relates to control mechanisms for linecasting and composing machines and more particularly to apparatus for effecting the selective response of such machines to stored signal conditions. 7

The principal object of the invention is to provide facilities for effecting the simultaneous actuation of a plurality of normally individually responsive instrumentalities in response to a single stored signal.

Another object of the invention is to provide a means that is initially responsive to a certain code signal for controlling a certain function, and which is thereafter responsive to a difierent signal to control the same function.

Specifically, the arrangement according to the present invention recognizes a code signal formed by combining two existing code signals, so that recurring use, within a line, of one of the codes included in the combined code, occurring after the initial appearance of said combined code .will cause the simultaneous selection of a space band and a fixed space, such as a thin space or an en space or an em space. r

In the composition of material to be printed, it is the custom to finish all lines except certain short ones on a fixed right-hand margin. In composing machines of the linecasting type, this operation, called justification, is accomplished through the use of expansible spacebands to provide interword spaces. As a line is concluded, if the expansibility afforded by the included spacebands is sufiicient to expand the line until it fills the required column width, the line is said to be justifiable. It may sometimes happen that a composed line which 'is short of justifiable length will not accommodate the next word or the next syllable of that word. The compositor may increase the length of the line by inserting fixed spaces, which are blank matrices of uniform thickness, adjacent the spacebands.

The subjection of linecasting and composing machines to automatic control, such as, for example, in the manner disclosed in Patent No. 2,091,286, granted August 31, 1937, to H. L. Krum et al., may necessitate special treatment with reference to nonjustifiable lines. Automatic control units of the type disclosed in the patent to H. L. Krum et al. may be controlled by perforated strips which may be produced by means of a keyboard 'perforator, such as the one disclosed in Patent No; 2,059,250, granted November 3, 1936, to H. L. Krum. The counting of the matrix thicknesses and minimum and maximum spaceband values cumulatively is accomplished concurrently with the application of the signals to. the

strip representing the matrices and spacebands to be assembled. The deficiency of a line is discovered after the signals have been applied to the tape, but individual signals for the selection of fixed spaces cannot then be inserted conveniently because the already punched signals follow one another atclosely spaced intervals. It

has been a practice heretofore to render the series of signals representing a deficient line ineifective by rerunning the signals through the perforator and converting each to the so-called rub-out or all-perforated signal.

2,811,243 Patented Oct. 2

2 p v, This series of ineifective signals is then followed by a reperforation of the signals representing the line to be' composed, with the fixed space signals included at the desired points. The sensing of the idle signals, when the control strip is run through the control unit for the linecasting and composing machine, accomplishes no useful purpose and results in a period of idleness of the lcomposing machine. In accordance with the present invention, it is proposed to control automatically the release of fixed spaces to accompany a deficient line, without the insertion of'sig-i nals particularly associated with the release of fixed space matrices, and by the modification of one or more of' the spaceband signals in the line. The modification comprises the perforation of an additional code hole or holes whereby the ordinary spaceband signal is converted 'into an extraordinary spaceband signal. It may be accomplished by backspacing the control strip through the perforator until that one or'those of the spaceband signals that are to be converted from the ordinary to the extraordinary spaceband signal are aligned with the punches, and depressing the key lever assigned to the execution of an extraordinary spaceband signal, or by inserting the additional perforation or perforations by means of a hand punch or by an auxiliary punch block in the keyboard perforator provided for that purpose. No other modification of the signals in the tape is required, and none of the signals in the deficient line is destroyed. g According to an additional feature of the invention a means is provided whereby the record sensing and pull bar selecting apparatus will be conditioned, upon responding to an extraordinary spaceband signal, for releasing a fixed space matrix in response to eachsubsequent spaceband signal in a line whether such'subsequent spaceband signal is the ordinary spaceband signal or has been con: verted to the extraordinary signal. In other words, the mechanism will automatically add a fixed space to each succeeding spaceband for the remainderof the line, although the tapereader senses only a spaceband signal. At theend of the line the elevator mechanism will re latch the add-fixed-space mechanism permitting the unit to return to normal for the next line. A full and complete understandingof the invention may be ,had by reference to the following description con sideredin the light of the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig.-1 is a front elevational view of a portion of a linecasting and composing machine having an automatic control unit applied thereto; Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the record reader mechanism having embodied therein principles representative of the present invention; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the add-fixed-space mechanism according to the present invention;

Fig. 4 is a planview of afragment of control tape containing signals for releasing a spaceband alone, a fixed space matrix alone, and for releasing both simultaneously; and Fig, 5 is a sectional view taken on line 55 of Fig. 3,- Referring now to Fig. 1, the reference numeral 11 indicates generally a linecastingand composing machine. The linecasting machine has a conventional keyboard mechanism 12, matrix storage magazine 13, spaceband storage magazine 14,. assembler belt 16, and an assembler elevator17. The release of matrices from the matrix storage magazine 13 is effected by the lifting of release reeds 18, which may,.if desired, be controlled from the keyboard 12, and the release of spacebands 19 from spaceband storage magazine 14 may be effected by the lifting of a special release reed 21, whichmay, if desired, be controlled by a manually operable spaceband key lever 22. A lever 23 pivoted intermediate its ends, as at 24,

of both the spaceband signal and the fixed-space signal, both a spaceband and a fixed-space will be selected simultaneously. With the arrangement according to the present inven- 'tion, means is provided whereby the selector apparatus will be conditioned, upon responding to the -3 or extraordinary spaceband signal, for releasing a fixed-space matrix in response to each subsequent spaceband signal in a line whether such subsequent spaceband signal is the ordinary spaceband signal or has been converted to the extraordinary signal. In other words, in the practice of the invention, means is provided in a linecasting and composing machine for releasing spacebands and fixed spaces simultaneously in response to a predetermined code signal which comprises changing only the first spaceband signal in the line pursuant to which the mechanism will automatically add a fixed space to each succeeding spaceband for the remainder of the line, whereupon the elevator signal will restore the arrangement to normal condition. This result is accomplished by providing an arrangement response to the add-fixed-space code signal to effect substantially simultaneous operation of both the special fixed-space and spaceband bell cranks 64, as will hereinafter appear.

Referring to Fig. 3, there are shown certain selectable bars of the group of selectable bars 57, individually identified as the fixed-space selectable bar 72, the spaceband selectable bar 73, the add-fixed-space selector bar 74 and the elevator selectable bar 75. Appropriately positioned above the group of selectable bars 57 (of which bars 72 to 75 are members) is a shaft 76 suitably journaled in the frame of the control unit 46. Suitably positioned on said shaft 76 with respect to said selectable bars 72, 73 and 74 are individual actuators 77, 78 and 79, respectively. The actuator 77 is adapted to be adjustably clamped on shaft 76 by means of set screw 81. Moreover, actuator 77 cooperates with a shoulder 82 on bar 72.

Pivotally connected to actuator 78 is a rearwardly extending connecting member 84 which terminates in a hook portion 85 adapted to cooperate with a supporting member 86 mounted on a pivot 87. Member 86 is normally biased in a clockwise direction (as viewed in Fig. about pivot 87 by a spring 88 and normally rests against a stop 89. The hook portion 85 of member 84 cooperates with a shoulder 91 on the supporting member 86. Connecting member 84 is provided between its pivot 92 and hook portion 85 with a pair of spaced depending portions 93 and 94 which are arranged in the manner of a fork and are adapted under predetermined operating conditions to operably engage a stud 95 secured to the bar 73, as will presently appear. Member 86 is provided with a latch portion 96 adapted to cooperate with a latch element 97 pivoted at 98. Latch 97 is normally biased clockwise by a spring 99 against a release bar 100 affixed to the elevator selectable bar 95.

In the rest condition of the arrangement according to the present invention, actuator 77 is clamped on shaft 76 in such a position as to be presented in the path of shoulder 82 on the fixed space selectable bar 72. Also, the actuator 78 is fixed on the shaft 76 in such position as to be presented in the path of shoulder 83 of spaceband selectable bar 73. Furthermore, the actuator 79 is fixed on the shaft 76 in such position as to be presented into the path of the shoulder 104 on the add-fixed-space selectable bar 74.

In the operation of the device according to the invention, it is assumed that the elements of the structure are in their normal unoperated position, as shown in Fig. 3, with the actuators 77, 78 and 79 positioned on the shaft 76 in the manner shown. Pursuant to the reading of the tape 105 (Fig. l) by the reading unit 51, the code bars 53 are set permutatively to produce an alignment of notches therein so that a selected bar 57 (or 72 to 75) will enter said alignment of notches in order to effectuate its operation by the operating bail 63, as describedin said Patent No. 2,091,286.

Thus, in response to the spaceband signal (code element 3 position), which is the position 101 in Fig. 4, the'selectable bar 73 will be selected and the bell crank 64 individual thereto will be operated to effect through its associated reed 21, Fig. 1 (as disclosed in Patent No. 2,091,286), the counterclockwise rocking of lever 23 about pivot 24 to operate the spaceband escapement mechanism 26 to release a spaceband 19 from the spaceband storage magazine 14. It will be noted hereinafter that the spaceband selectable bar 73 may also be selected in response to the extraordinary spaceband code signal 102 (Fig. 4).

Now, in response to a fixed-space signal (referred to also as the thin-space signal) which is in the 'position 103, Fig. 4, exemplified by the code element 0 position, the selectable bar 72 identified with the thin space position in the matrix storage magazine 13 will be selected and operated so that a thin-space matrix (also called fixed-space, because actuator 77 may be positioned on shaft 76 to control the release of an en space or em space matrix, if desired) will be released to drop upon the assembler belt 16 and be conveyed to the assembler elevator 17.

As previously mentioned, it is desired to simultaneously select a spaceband and a fixed-space matrix (called the add-fixed-space function). In this event, the space? band signal (code element 3 position) is changed to an add-fixed-space signal (code element 0-3). However, in the preparation of tape for controlling the apparatus according to the present invention, it is not necessary to modify every spaceband signal in order to effect the release of a fixed-space matrix simultaneously therewith, but it is only necessary to modify one spaceband signal (normally the first spaceband signal in the line) to convert said ordinary spaceband signal into an extraordinary spaceband signal, in order to elfect the release of a fixedspace matrix with that spaceband and with all following it in the line. r

Now, pursuant to the receipt of the extraordinary spaceband signal (102, Fig. 4) both of the bars 73 and 74 will be selected, so that as a result of the forward motion imparted to bars 73 and 74 by the operating bail 63, a spaceband will be released upon operation of the bell crank 64 individual to bar 73, and substantially simultaneously therewith, a fixed space matrix will be released because the shoulder 104, of bar 74 will act upon actuator 79 to rotate shaft 76 to, in turn, cause actuator 77 to rotate correspondingly to move bar 72 forwardly 'to rotate the bell crank 64 identified therewith to effect the release of a fixed-space matrix from the magazine 13.

Concurrently with this operation of the mechanism (shown in Fig. 3) to effect the initial simultaneous release of a spaceband and fixed-space matrix, said mechanism will be conditioned for thereafterreleasing a spaceband and a fixed-space matrix simultaneously in response to only a spaceband signal (101, Fig. 4) in the following manner:

In response to the selective operation of bar 74 pursuant to the receipt of the extraordinary spacebandsignal 102, the actuators 79, 78 and 77 are rotated a predetermined amount, as previously described. Upon'rotation of actuator 78, the connecting member 84 piv'otall'y articulated thereto is moved forwardly to impart, through the coaction of shoulder 91 and hook portion 85, counterclockwise rotation to member 86 against the action of spring 88. Member 86 will be thus rotated to'the position shown in Fig. 5, whereat member 84 is permitted to drop sutficiently to permit the fork members 93 and 94 to straddle and engage the stud 95. Member 86 will become latched in this position by the engagement of latch element 97 with the tooth 96. Thereafter, whenever a spaceband signal alone is received, the bar 73 is' actuated forwardly to release a spaceband, and substantially simultaneouslytherewith the connecting member 84, through the fork and pin connection 93, 94, 95 is actuated '(or}' carrie d along forwardly with the bar 73) to impart rotation, through actuator 78, to shaft 76 which in-turn willimpart corresponding rotation to actuator 77 to impart through shoulder 82, forward motion to the bar 72, which, through its individual bell crank 64 will effectuate the selection of a fixed-space matrix from the magazine 13, as-pireviously described.

As is disclosed in said Patent No. 2,091,286 to H. L. Krurnet al., the matrices and spacebands are assembled in the assembly-elevator- 17, and upon receipt of the elevator signal at the end of the line, the elevator 17 is raised to carry the assembled line of matrices to the casting position inwell known manner. Upon the sensing of the elevator signal in thetape 105 by the tape reader 51-, the code bars 53 will be set permutaoly to effect the selection of the elevator selector'bar 75 (one of the bars 57) to effectuate the elevator operation, which comprises releasing the elevator cam (not shown) for one cycle of rotation, as described in said Patent No. 2,091,286. Also, bar 75 will be elfective through the release bar 100 afiixed thereto, to effect the release of latch element 97 from tooth 96 to permit the return of supporting member 88 from its position shown in Fig. to its position shown in Fig. 3', under the influence of spring 88. Pursuant to this return of member 88 against its stop 89, the connecting bar 84 will be lifted or raised by the member 86 to bring the fork members 93 and 94 clear of the pin or stud 95, thus disconnecting the mechanical connection between bar 73 and the connecting bar 84. Therefore, pursuant to'the selective operation of the elevator selector bar 75, the arrangement according to the present invention is restored to the normal condition shown in Fig. 3,, preparatory to setting up the next line.

Although a preferred form of the invention has been disclosed and described, it is obvious that changes may be made in the details set forth without departing from the essentials of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. In a linecasting and composing machine, means for releasing fixed thickness space elements, means for releasing variable thickness space elements, a permutation code selector, first and second selectable members controlled" by predetermined permutative settings of said selector for individually controlling said means, respectively, a thirdselectable member controlled by a further peirmutative setting of said selector, said selectable members carriedl pivotally on a common, rod, an auxiliary shaft disposed above. andiparallel to said common rod, a plurality, of actuators carried on said auxiliary shaft, one of said actuators operably associated with each of said selectable members, said first selectable member adapted to control the release ofa fixed thickness space element, said second selectable member adapted to control the release of a variable thickness space element, cooperating means associatedwithlbothsaid second selectable member and its actuator, said cooperating means eifective under certain operating conditions to control the'irelease simultaneously of a fixed thickness space element and a variable thickness space element upon each selective opn'ecto'rbar, said conditioning;meanscornprising a pivoted elementnolfmally ff ctive to hold aid fq ls nstt maatalie' ties out of cooperative engagement with said stud inst ut mentality, said pivoted element and said connector bar having cooperating facilities, whereby said connector, bar is effective upon the first selective operation of said second selectable member to establish the cooperative en: gagement of said fork and stud instrumentalities during subsequent, operations of said second selectable member, latching means for holding said conditioning means effective during said subsequent operations of said second member, a fourth selectable member, and means ope-rably associated with said fourth selectable member for rendering said latching means ineifective.

2. In a linecasting and composing machine, means for releasing fixed thickness space elements, means for releasing variable thickness space elements, a permutation. code selector, a pair of selectable members controlled by predetermined permutative settings of said selector for individually controlling said means, respectively, a further selectable member controlled by a further permu-- tative setting of said selector, said selectable memberscarried pivotally on a common rod, an auxiliary shaft disposed above and parallel to said common rod, a plu-- rality of actuators carried on said auxiliary shaft, one: of said actuators operably associated with each of said selectable members, one of said pair 'of selectable mem bers adapted to control the release of a fixed thickness space element, the other of said pair of selectable mem-- bers adapted to control the release of a variable thicknessspace element, means for conveying an assembly oftype composition elements and space elements, control means for said conveying means, cooperating means associated with both said second selectable member andits actuator, said cooperating means effectiveunder certain operating conditions to control the release simultaneously of a fixed thickness space element and a variable thickness space element upon each selective operation of said second selectable member, said cooperating means comp-rising a connector bar articulated to one of said actuators, said connector bar having fork instrumentalities cooperable with a stud instrumentality on said second selectable member, conditioning means cooperably associated with the free extremity of said connector bar, said conditioning means comprising a pivoted element normally elfective tothold said fork instrumentalities out of cooperative engagement with said stud instrumentality, said pivoted element and said connector bar having cooperating facilities, whereby said connector bar is effective upon the first selective operation of said second selectable member to establish the cooperative engagement of said fork and stud instrumentalities during subsequent operations of said second selectable member, latching means for holding said conditioning means elfective during saidsubsequent operations of said second member, and means controlled by said control means for said conveying means for rendering said latching means ineffective.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,840,408 Pickett et a1. Jan. 12, 1932 1,964,850 Hilpman July 3, 1934 2,006,848 Walden July 2, 1935 2,090,654 Walden Aug. 24, 1937 2,117,474 Goetz et a1. May 17, 1938 

